Beautiful Messenger: An online journal of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Zion’s Beautiful Messenger blog went online on October 31, 2009.

As previously announced in the October issue of the Visitor, the mission of Beautiful Messenger is to make God’s love – revealed in the life, teachings, and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth – known to our neighbors and to the world by publicly speaking to matters of Christian faith and practice, service to our neighbors, discipleship, and the witness of Scripture. Articles may explore a variety of issues, and are expected to offer a diversity of ideas and ruminations, but will always be consistent with our stated mission.

The journal will not be simply a “register” of official positions of this congregation or the ELCA. While free to explore issues, contributors will be expected to exercise that freedom consistent with St. Paul’s understanding:

“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Gal 5:13-14)

All that we do, including our writings, should produce the fruit of Christ’s Spirit. And, as St. Paul reminds us, the fruit of the Spirit “is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Gal 5:22-23)

This precludes disparaging or maligning people, as well as gossip or innuendo. Additionally, this journal will not permit campaigns to disparage or undermine the witness and mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its affiliated ministries, or of the New Jersey Synod, or of our congregation. To monitor the content of Beautiful Messenger and any comments in response to articles, the Council appointed an editorial review board consisting of Pastor, one member from Council, and one additional member of the congregation. The review board will judge submissions to the journal based on compliance with the expectations given above, but will not require that content be in agreement with the board members’ personal views on the issues or topics, or with “official” positions of the ELCA or this congregation.

Members and friends of Zion may submit essays, reflections, devotions, and sermons about Christian faith and practice, service to our neighbors, discipleship, and the witness of Scripture. All submissions must be electronic and should be emailed to beautifulmessenger@comcast.net.

ON LINE BIBLE STUDY: Bible study is being conducted through e-mail devotions. If you would like to find a devotion in your e-mail four days a week: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, please contact the Church office or e-mail Pastor Whitlock at margayjo@aol.com. The devotions are based on the texts for the upcoming Sunday.

In addition, you can view the devotions online by going to our Weekly Devotions web site.

REGARDING MARRIAGE: Several people have made inquiries regarding our policy on marriage. For future reference, here it is:

Step One: The Bride and Groom attend a Service of Worship in person.
Step Two: The Bride and Groom make an appointment with the Pastor.
Step Three: The Bride and Groom meet with the Pastor at least three times.
Step Four: Fees are discussed and the Bride and Groom schedule a date.

Lutheran Social Ministries of NJ is offering free grief and trauma counseling and individual assistance. For information, please contact LSM/NJ at 609-386-7171

ALTAR FLOWER order blanks are available in the Narthex and in the Parish Office. Please check for date availability.

WELCA is collecting paper goods for the Food For Friends soup kitchen. Receptacles are also available for old eyeglasses and Campbell soup labels.

We need READERS & COMMUNION ASSISTANTS WE WANT YOU...to be a READER& COMMUNION ASSISTANT. BE THE FIRST ON THE BLOCK TO SIGN UP FOR ONE OF THESE QUICK AND EASY MINISTRIES.

Depending on how many sign up, readers & servers will only have to serve once every couple of months or so! Contact the Parish Office or Violet Stebner at (732) 382-2514. Please list your preference of DAY (Saturday or Sunday) and TIME (5:30 pm, 9:15 am or 10:30 am). The lessons will be mailed out in advance for review. A list of readers and their scheduled times will also be available in case there's a conflict. BE A LEADER!

JOIN OUR CHOIR If you sing in the shower, sing in the car, or just sing in the rain, why not come and sing in your church? Ability to read music is not required, just the enthusiasm to sing some fun music with your friends for your friends.

Anyone interested should contact the Director of Music, Dr. Brian Dallow, c/o the Parish Office at 732-388-1815 or e-mail brian@musicforallseasons.org. The choir sings at the 5:30 PM Saturday liturgy or the 10:30 AM Sunday liturgy and rehearsals are currently held in the Social Hall twice a month on the 2nd & 4th Mondays at 7:30pm.

Want to get involved? Here are some MINISTRIES NEEDED

 YOUR MINISTRY IS IMPORTANT

Office Help - to occasionally supplement our present volunteers when they are not available to assemble worship guidesVisitor News - to occasionally supplement our present volunteers when they are not available to assemble the newsletter. Altar Guild - set up for communion, contact Charleen Lesinski or Dot Cole. Cup cake bakers - Contact Carolyn Konopi Cup Cakes can be delivered to the church between 1pm & 2pm the 2nd Friday of every month. Teachers & Aids are needed to minister with elementary-age children at Family Liturgy/Sunday School, 9:15-10:15 AM. You may work with lower elementary (grades 1-3) or upper elementary (grades 4 & 5). Speak with Pastor or Anita Waldron, Sunday School Superintendent.
Counters - We need Counting Teams to tally and deposit weekly offerings. Teams currently serve once every six weeks. The more teams, the longer between assignments. Please speak with Linda Cenci or call the Parish Office.

For more information on these or to reach the contact person, call the Parish Office at (732) 388-1815